Liverpool FC: The final piece of the Jigsaw?
Posted by Akzoony in Liverpool | 9 August 2006
I have tried to spend my time recently thinking about the players we now have at Liverpool as apposed to those we would still like. Too many times in seasons gone by we have seen that if you want a new player too much, they often don’t appear. However once more I can’t but help but feel that we are still missing the final piece of the Jigsaw.
Goals and assists from midfield look better than ever this year. Crouch and Fowler proved towards the end of last year what a deadly partnership they can be, and Bellamy and Fowler seem to have reached an instant understanding. Kewell and Garcia playing in between the lines should provide more options in many games as well.
I just can’t help feel that unless we are playing a tricky away game with Crouch up front on his own, all of the best combinations revolve around Robbie the creator or Robbie the Predator.
Crouch and Bellamy both sit quite deep and like a player in the box to play off. Similarly Kewell and Garcia like to use a target man in this way, and when they played with Crouch last year they only got this when Gerrard sprinted down the middle (by which time much of the impetus of the move had often been lost).
In years gone by that wouldn’t be a worry, but Robbie’s current knock that is still keeping him out of tonight’s game highlights the fact that we shouldn't rely too heavily on him. He will still get more than his fair share of goals this season I have no doubt, however he wont be able to avoid injury, and keep a level of fitness to last the whole season week in week out. We still need a strong poacher who will be happy loitering in and around the 18 yard box.
I would be lying if I said that I knew enough about Dirk Kuyt to state that I believe that he is the man for the job, but I’ve seen a fair few videos of him since we’ve been linked. He is very strong and seems to be a very no-nonsense type of player that can knock the goals in from all over the place. He does seem to loiter around the box as well and looks to have the game intelligence needed to provide the option I have described.
Rafa has been tracking him for over a year now and with the sale of Traore reported today and the potential further sales of Dudek and Diao the alleged £10 million asking price should not be out of reach.
Reports today seem to be clear that we are unlikely to sign anyone if we don’t get into the group stages of the Champions league (which would provide a guaranteed £10 million), and I don’t foresee any major problems with this game. The lads know what is at stake, and in Benitez we have the master tactician, who has the additional advantage of having played the team before whilst coach at Valancia.
I also don’t read too much into the 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Mainz at the weekend. Reportedly the team had been doing weight training before the match after a heavily fitness based tour and to be honest looked shattered.
Fingers crossed, we’ll come through this game tonight unscathed and will be able to fund a final signing of the year. Whether we do or not things are looking good at Anfield right now and I see a very bright season ahead! Its seemed like a long closed season this year and I can’t wait for things to get started!
YNWA